The USDA Forest Service anticipates conducting one to three prescribed burns on the Fort Pierre National Grassland sometime in the next several weeks.
Potential burn sites include the 345-acre Richland Wildlife Area in Jones County, the 310-acre Camp Flat East South Pasture in Lyman County, and a 195-acre portion of the Glenn Pasture in Jones County.
The purpose of these prescribed burns is to increase the dominance and diversity of native vegetation. Objectives include improvements to livestock forage and wildlife habitat quality, as well as reductions in fuel loading.
Adjacent landowners, visible homeowners and local fire and law enforcement departments will be contacted prior to ignition. Smoke from the fires may be visible from US Highway 83, Interstate 90 and the communities of Draper, Fort Pierre, Kennebec, Murdo, Pierre, Presho and Vivian.
District Ranger Dan Svingen says ignition will only occur if suitable weather and fuel conditions are present. Burns will be done according to each relevant burn plan.
Svingen says several agencies and volunteer fire departments are coming to help with these projects. He says their expertise is very much appreciated.
Anyone with questions may leave a voice mail and call-back information at the Fort Pierre Ranger District: 605-224-5517.
